MiniSim Truck and Bus Simulators

Truck / Bus Simulators for Learner Driver and Recurrent Training

CKAS has perfected a robust and versatile Truck / Bus driver training simulator for small to medium size driving schools or colleges and fleet operators. The CKAS MiniSim Truck or Bus Simulators are offered as no-motion, 2DOF motion, 3DOF motion or 6DOF full motion simulators at the price of a medium size car. These units are designed with the main focus on learner drivers who are just starting Truck or Bus driver training, and also for teachine proper techniques to more experienced drivers. The MiniSim Truck and Bus simulators come with outstanding realistic graphics, "true-to-life" steering forces, real switches, realistic dashboard and automatic or manual transmissions (including high and low range manuals).

The CKAS MiniSim Truck and Bus Simulators are designed to be used as a real vehicle by instructors, focusing on teaching road rules, driving techniques, and general road behaviour in a safe, accessible and controllable environment. The MiniSim behaves just like a real vehicle in all the most important aspects - steering, response, behaviour and environment - so that the instructor can teach important lessons exactly as if they were in the real vehicle, but in total safety, using no fuel and saving on real vehicle wear.

Below is an example of a CKAS MiniSim Truck Simulator with Compact 6DOF Motion configured as a manual (dual range 8 speed) Right-Hand-Drive (RHD) vehicle.

Layout

The MiniSim Truck or Bus Simulator units come in Left-Hand-Drive (LHD) or Right-Hand-Drive (RHD), and include all the necessary controls required of a simulation device for learner drivers. These devices are designed to replace the use of a real vehicle in the initial phase of new learner driver training, or to test and retrain more experienced drivers in good habits.

The MiniSim Truck / Bus Simulator units are designed and built in an extremely compact framework, which allows them to be installed into the tightest of spaces, including mobile applications such as specialised trailers or on trucks for mobile training centres. The power requirements are typical domestic/office power, with no special requirements.

The layout is designed to ensure that all important aspects of driving such as viewport, horizon, mirrors, instrument cluster and seating are exactly configured as a real typical vehicle. This is done to promote high positive learning and correct muscle memory in drivers. This ensures that the transition from simulator to real vehicle is seamless and all the skills and habits picked up in the MiniSim Truck or Bus Simulator are relevant to the real vehicle.

Visual System

All MiniSim Truck / Bus Simulator units are supplied with a 170° wrap around 3 x Full HD visual system which creates an immersive visual field. The visual scene features extremely realistic fluid graphics and lighting effects to create unmatched realism. The content of the scene includes typical cityscapes, streetscapes, highways, rural areas, off road, and can all be adapted to any location around the world if required, including signage and road rules.

Motion or No-Motion

All our MiniSim Truck or Bus Simulator units can be delivered with any level of motion, from no motion all the way to full 6DOF motion. Typically, the best "sweet spot" for a machine of this level is the proven no-nonsense CKAS 6DOF motion - the zero maintenance, well proven, low cost and ultra reliable CKAS W3s motion system. This motion system produces the highest fidelity response to give ALL the important cues when performing driver training - an unparalleled achievement for this category of device. Of course, the CKAS MiniSim Truck / Bus Simulators can be optionally delivered in 3DOF, or for entry level fidelity, 2 degree of freedom (2DOF) motion. CKAS now also provides this unit as a 6DOF "Long Stroke" (LS) version for a full size no-compromise 6DOF solution.

Controls

All CKAS MiniSim Truck and Bus Simulators are supplied with "true-to-life" high force feedback on a large size steering wheel, so that the steering sensations and forces are exactly like those in a typical vehicle. The feel of the steering wheel can only be described as "identical to the real thing", offering exact amounts of force, vibration, rumbles and other high force events, at just the right time. The learner driver can instantly apply what they learn to the real vehicle, and develop useful muscle memory, for navigating real roads.

Further to this, the MiniSim Truck and Bus Simulators also come equipped with genuine real vehicle indicator / wiper combination switch. There is a genuine "keyless" engine starter switch and a realistic park brake switch, trailer brake switch, and other typical Truck or Bus switches. Additionally, there are realistic foot pedals including a true "pressure" sensing brake pedal, and optionally an interchangeable manual or automatic gear selector with clutch pedal, with the manual option providing for a high and low range 8 speed gearbox.

There are no keyboard, no mouse, no computer controls to consume instructor's valuable time trying to make selections and set up the simulator. The entire simulator is operated simply from a single 4 way joystick, which is configured to select any scenario, setting or driving condition required quickly, intuitively and efficiently.

These extensive features are all geared towards a highly realistic driving and instructing experience - a far cry from other simulators in this price category which provide only home gaming level controls and fiddly complex interfaces.

Cabin Configuration

The instrument cluster of the CKAS MiniSim Truck / Bus Simulators is based on a generic Truck (or Bus) type with instrumentation typically found in a modern Truck or Bus. The instruments and indicators depicted on the dashboard behave as the real indications do, supporting a positive training outcome, and allowing trainers to teach students the correct methods for starting, operating and diagnosing basic conditions in the vehicle - including air supply and management.

The use of an LCD to render instruments is done to ensure very high reliability and longevity of the simulator, since there are no mechanical moving components like a traditional instrument cluster. This is in line with all leading vehicle manufacturers moving to LCD instrument clusters.

The typical mirrors of a vehicle cabin are provided, making it is possible to comprehensively train a learner student how to perform even complex manoeuvres such as reversing a rigid, semi or even a B-Double all in one simulator.

Software

The CKAS MiniSim Truck / Bus Simulator is supplied with an enormous map (over 150km / 90mi of drivable distance) with endless different situations and scenarios throughout the map which a student can experience. The map includes essentially all types of typical roads, road signs, traffic behaviour, pedestrian and cyclist behaviour.

The instructor can easily and quickly choose which location on the map the training should be carried out at, in order to have the learner driver experience a particular situation. Additionally, the instructor can instantly adjust the environment, time of day and weather through the same easy menu.

No complex menus for an instructor or student to traverse, no confusing scenario builder software with fiddly adjustments and options, just select a known location on the map and drive like in a real car.

Costing

The CKAS MiniSim Truck / Bus Simulator units have been specifically designed as versatile training tools for small to medium sized training organisations and fleet operators. CKAS understands the very limited budgets and margins of many smaller schools and operators. These units are extremely affordable, costing about the same as a medium sized vehicle, making them the best value solution on the market.